I had the honor of attending F. Michael Donohue's memorial service as Christ Church Christiana Hundred on Oct. 2, and I don't think I've ever been to a service that better reflected the honoree. Everything was done right. The beautiful church was packed (I imagine there were a lot of empty offices in Wilmington that morning). The hymns were beautiful and uplifting ("Abide With Me" and, set to the tune of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee"). The eulogies, by Mike's longtime business partner Rodman Ward Jr. and his daughter-in-law Kirstie Donohue, painted a portrait of Mike as a distinguished leader of character and integrity, a masterful stockbroker, an avid athlete, and a loving family man (and sometime prankster).
I was especially impressed with the Rev. Ruth Beresford, who led the service. Perhaps sensing that there were many non-churchgoers in the crowd, she explicitly invited all to take part in the Communion ritual and explained all the details that can baffle outsiders. It felt very inclusive.
The reception afterward in the parish hall was catered by the Wilmington Club, and (of course) included the club's signature fried oysters.
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